What we're doing about cancer

We aim to improve outcomes for people with cancer by funding research and implementing evidence-based programs to prevent, detect and treat cancer and support people throughout their cancer pathway.

Research and data

We provide funding for cancer research to make sure we have the evidence we need to make better decisions.

Programs to help detect and prevent cancer

We run free cancer screening programs to help detect cancer before you have symptoms.

The National Cancer Screening Register

We established the National Cancer Screening Register to support our national screening programs for bowel and cervical cancer. The register is used to:

  • manage participant details, including invitations and reminders to screen
  • collect, store, analyse and report on screening program data.

The comprehensive data helps inform policy, improve program quality and service delivery.

Screening framework

Population-based screening framework

This framework sets out the principles of screening programs for cancer and chronic diseases. It informs decision makers about the key issues to consider when deciding whether to introduce a screening program.

Reducing the risk of cancer

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to eligible people against:

  • HPV, which can help prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer and other HPV caused cancers
  • Hepatitis B, which can help prevent liver cancer.

We also have strategies to help Australians minimise their cancer risk:

Treating and managing cancer

We work to support people with cancer and improve cancer outcomes by:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan provides a long-term approach that supports community responses to deliver positive outcomes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The plan represents the views of the First Nations communities and health services.  It was developed in-codesign with the First Nations health sector and will be owned and delivered by NACCHO.

It is a comprehensive footprint for First Nations cancer reform that is representative of the experiences and views of First Nations people, their families and communities living with cancer.

Committees and groups

We chair committees and groups that focus on cancer screening and improving cancer outcomes.

Date last updated:

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